Bryan Burnett takes break from BBC Radio Scotland for cancer treatment
BBC Radio Scotland’s Bryan Burnett has announced he will be stepping away from his early evening show Get it On as he begins treatment for appendix cancer.
The 59-year-old presenter shared the news with listeners on air yesterday, explaining that the tumour was discovered during surgery earlier this year.
Although rare, appendix cancer is treatable and Bryan said he is expected to make a full recovery.
His treatment, which begins next week, will include major abdominal surgery followed by chemotherapy.
Bryan thanked the NHS staff involved in his care, saying: “I’ve experienced the most incredible care and kindness. My surgeon is a *Get it On* listener so I know I’m in good hands.”
He also said he’ll miss being on air during his break. “I will really miss the music and the chat when I’m off but our listeners have given me hundreds of great playlists so that will keep me going over the next few months.”
Fellow BBC Scotland presenter Grant Stott will host the programme while Bryan is away.
BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine said: “Bryan is one of our most popular broadcasters on Radio Scotland and I know listeners will join us in wishing him well. We look forward to welcoming him back to the *Get it On* studio once he’s recovered.”
Bryan Burnett’s on-air statement in full:
“This is going to be my last show for a while, and I want to explain why that is. When I had my recent appendix surgery you were you so kind with the messages of support and all your good wishes and concern really touched me.
Because of that I want to share with you what’s going on with me and my health. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to take time off the show to have some treatment for cancer.
When they removed my appendix, they discovered a tumour. Appendix cancer is incredibly rare but it’s treatable, so I need to have some hefty abdominal surgery next week.
It’s going to mean I’ll be off work for a couple of months – and you know how hard I will find that. However, I’m expected to make a full recovery and will be back on air, on the show I love, later in the year.
As you know we are such a close team on Get It On, so I want to say thanks to my brilliant producers for all the hand holding and encouragement they’ve given me since they found out my news. I’m sure they will let you know how I’m doing over the next few weeks.
Grant Stott will do most of the shows when I’m off so I know that Get It On will be in good hands. As for now, I’m going to get on with this show…”